Wasps and Hornets Pollinate Flowers

Depending on the species, wasps and hornets pollinate flowers. While the majority of wasps are carnivorous, some species are able to passively transfer pollen while feeding on nectar. This type of pollination is referred to as “sexual deception.”

In fact, over 100 species of orchids are solely dependent on wasps for pollination. Some of these orchids have evolved specific odor cocktails to attract different sphecid wasps. Other orchid species have used non-sexual mimicry to attract wasps.

Although bees are the most common floral visitors, other types of pollinators, such as wasps and hornets, are also important. For example, some social wasps are known to capture caterpillars, flies, and greenfly. Other species of wasps feed on nectar, fruit, and honey.

Wasps are a group of insects that are part of the Vespidae family. Some species are parasitic. Others are generalist pollinators, while some are specialists. Some wasp species lay eggs on insect larvae, while others are able to transfer pollen passively.

The most important pollinator of flowers is the Western yellowjacket. This species can pollinate up to 90% of the flowers in a garden. Other species are less effective. In general, wasps pollinate flowers by passively carrying pollen grains or by piercing the base of flowers to obtain nectar.

Wasps and hornets pollinate by carrying pollen grains and dropping them on the stigma of other flowers. The most successful pollinators, including the Western yellowjacket, are often found in flower-visiting guilds with other pollinators. Some wasp species, however, are not pollinators at all.

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